MUSIC: Track Record with..Two Stephens

THE nationwide search for Ireland’s best cover version is nearly at a close.

Following a public vote, the Le Crunch Apple of my Eye Song Contest has announced that Dublin band Scoops, from Balinteer and Blackrock duo, Stephen Kelly and Mimi Lane, will be among the final five contestants who will be performing to a packed live audience at Whelan’s in Dublin this Thursday, March 23.

Before the long-awaited showdown Dublin People caught up with contenders, Stephen O’Rourke (SOR) from Scoops and Stephen Kelly (SK) to hear about their Dublin track record…

1. Best gig you’ve been to in Dublin?

(SOR) Without a shadow of a doubt for me the best gig I attended in Dublin was The Eagles in the 3Arena. To get to see them live was a once in a lifetime opportunity and one I won’t ever forget. On a more local level it would have to be Walking On Cars in the Olympia. These guys, in my eyes, can do no wrong and are all sound out.

(SK) Either Coldplay in Marlay Park like 10 years ago or Daft Punk at Oxygen.

2. Most memorable moment in Dublin?

(SOR) My most memorable moment in Dublin would have to be the day I moved up from Waterford. It was an exciting and memorable moment as I had lived at home during college.

(SK) Getting paid €700 to stay an extra day by Aer Lingus before going back to New York!

3. Most ‘want to forget’ moment in Dublin?

(SOR) Waterford Hurling team getting a hiding from Kilkenny in Croke Park in the All Ireland a couple of years back.

(SK) Crashing my brother’s car……again

4. First album you bought and last album you bought?

(SOR) First one was ‘Hanson’ (I was young!) and latest would be, like most of the country, Ed Sheeran’s new album.

(SK) Oasis – ‘What’s the Story Morning Glory’, or Kings of Leon – ‘Aha Shake Heartbreak’.

5. When you’re not playing music, what else do you do?

(SOR) I love to explore new places and cultures – so travelling is something I try to do as much as possible when the time allows for it.

(SK) Think about music! Also I like to play football, cook and workout. Mimi likes to run and eat Pringle’s…Not at the same time though.

6. Who are your influences?

(SOR) Myself and my dad have a massive love for country music so my influences come from a long line of country music stars in America. Lately Luke Bryan, Zac Brown Band and further back the likes of Alan Jackson and so on.

(SK) Chet Faker, Hozier, Oh Wonder, Oliver Riot, Childish Gambino.

7. Who would make up your ideal band with you and Mimi fronting it (Musicians past and present)

(SOR) For me I would love an Irish super group with the like of Christy from Aslan, Pa from Walking On Cars, Jimmy from Picture This, Dave from The Coronas, Barry from Hermitage Green and Niamh from HamsandwicH. Yea, that there sounds like a right fun groUP.

(SK) Matt Tong (Bloc Party) on drums, Flea (Chili Peppers) on bass and Jeff Buckley on guitar. 

8. Any tips on life?

(SOR) My motto in life is simple – Find something you love, do what you love and then find a way to get paid to do it.

(SK) Moderation in everything, including moderation! (go nuts every now and again) And If you’re having fun stay, if not, go.

9. First person you’d invite to your party?

(SOR) Family first always.

(SK) Will Smith.

10. Last person you’d invite to your party?

(SOR) This one is a bit harsh ha! Em maybe my old boss – I can’t say which one though!

(SK) Hannibal Lecter, cause he’d get the wrong idea when you say there’ll be finger food.